9th National Pay Scale Implementation Begins July 1: Finance Minister

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the implementation of the ninth national pay scale will begin on July 1, the start of the 2026–27 fiscal year.

Speaking to reporters at his office on Monday (May 18), the minister said work is underway to implement the new pay structure in the most effective way.

However, he noted that all recommendations of the Pay Commission cannot be implemented at once due to budget limitations.

Sources said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has already directed authorities to begin implementing the new pay scale from the next fiscal year. A special allocation for the pay scale is expected in the upcoming national budget.

Officials said the government plans to implement the benefits in phases over three fiscal years, following recommendations made by a committee led by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani.

The finance minister said the government is facing pressure from lower revenue collection and broader economic challenges, forcing spending cuts in several sectors. Despite this, the new pay scale remains a priority.

The issue was also discussed during recent budget meetings for the 2026–27 fiscal year held at the Secretariat. The implementation committee is scheduled to meet on May 21 to finalize recommendations.

After nearly 11 years, government employees are set to receive a new pay structure. In the first phase, the government may allocate around Tk 35,000 crore in the next budget.

Under the proposed plan, employees of government, autonomous and semi-government institutions, the judiciary, and various forces would receive a 50 percent increase in basic salary in the first phase. The remaining increase would be implemented over the following two fiscal years.

The second phase is expected in fiscal year 2027–28, while allowances and other benefits would be fully introduced in fiscal year 2028–29.

Government estimates show that implementing the new pay structure could require around Tk 1.06 lakh crore, with an additional Tk 25,000 crore needed for pensions. The total projected cost stands at about Tk 1.31 lakh crore.

Earlier, a 23-member Pay Commission led by former Finance Secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan submitted its recommendations on January 21 to then Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

The commission proposed raising the minimum salary from Tk 8,250 to Tk 20,000 and the maximum salary from Tk 78,000 to Tk 1,60,000. The existing 20-grade structure would remain unchanged.

The proposal includes salary increases ranging from 100 to 140 percent and recommends reducing the minimum-to-maximum salary ratio from 1:9.4 to 1:8.